Changing your course?

If you are reading this you are probably feeling unsure about your current choice of course. This guide will help you think about what you need to consider and do and the support available to you during this process.

Talk to your course team
Your course staff will want to help you to consider any options that might assist you to feel happier on your current course. They will be able to:

help you explore the reasons why the course may not be for you
work with you to identify the academic options available to you within your course
advise you on the process involved in changing your course and who to formally keep up-to-date
agree a last date of attendance (if applicable).

You can be as open or confidential with your reasons as you wish. Contact your team (for example, the year or course leader) via your subject administrator. You will be able to find the contact details you need in your course handbook on NOW.

Get early advice from the Career Development Centre
You may find it helpful to meet with a Careers Consultant in the NTU Career Development Centre when thinking about changing your course. The Careers Consultant can:

help you explore the reasons why the course may not be for you
work with you to identify the options available to you
advise you on the process involved in changing your course
help you to identify the subjects you have enjoyed in the past
work with you to find out how to realise your career aspirations.

You can make an appointment to speak to one of our Careers Consultants:

phone +44 (0)115 848 8638
visit one of the Careers Centres.

Transferring internally
You may find it useful to explore the courses available at NTU and then contact the relevant admissions/course team on your course of interest. They will:

advise you if any places are available for the year of entry you are considering (for example, October 2011 or October 2012)
let you know meet the entry requirements (these differ by course and institution).

The admissions process for internal or external transfers
Email NTU admissions for full details on how to transfer to another course internally or externally. It is not likely that you will be required to apply via UCAS if you are transferring internally.

However, you will need to apply via UCAS if you are applying externally. More details are available at the UCAS website.
You will also need to contact your programme team as mentioned above.

Accommodation issues
You will need to inform your landlord / Student Accommodation Services team if you are leaving your residential accommodation before the end of your contract. You will be liable for the remaining full tenancy costs, unless you can get someone to take your room.

See the full details on the accommodation website. You may lose your deposit if you have made arrangements to pay it for a house next year. The Students' Union Advice Centre can talk you through this in more detail as tenancy / housing experts.

Money advice – the impact on your money if you decide to transfer
You can make an appointment to speak with one of our money advisers about the financial impact of any decision to change subjects:

email Student Financial Support Services
telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494
book an appointments via one of the Student Centres.

They will talk you through the implications on your current loan/grant arrangements, if you decide to leave your current course. They will also be able to tell about the funding arrangements available for 2011 or 2012 entry and whether you will have to repay any funding you have already received.

Having a chat early on
If you want to chat to someone about your thoughts, issues, procedure and options generally about changing subject are you are welcome to come in to speak to an adviser. We have various appointments available in the Student Services Centres throughout the week at the City site and Clifton campus.

External support
You may find it useful to refer to the Back on Course Service - a free, impartial and confidential service funded by the Higher Education Funding Council England. As well as advice, Back on Course, will actively support you in whatever decision you choose to do, making connections with services and institutions as required. Further information is available by telephone + 44 (0)845 366 0476 or visiting the Back on Course website.